NCAA – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Fingers Crossed Golden Gophers Can Retain Drake Lindsey

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by David Shama

At what price Drake Lindsey?

University of Minnesota redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey is certainly a player of interest to other major college football programs. In his first season as a starter he has made his presence known playing the most valued position in football.

The transfer portal has in recent years ignited a massive movement of players in college football like never before. That, of course, includes gifted quarterbacks such as Kansas State transfer Will Howard who last season led Ohio State to the national championship. California transfer Fernando Mendoza is in position to do the same this year playing for undefeated Indiana.

Lindsey has been pivotal to Minnesota’s success. Playing behind a struggling offensive line and with an okay receiver corps, he has led Minnesota to close wins over Rutgers, Purdue and Michigan State. The Gophers, 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten games, won those games by a total of 13 points. Lindsey has been a clutch performer in big moments including in the overtime victory against Michigan State last week when he rallied the offense late in the fourth quarter and scored the winning touchdown in OT.

If Lindsey is interested in offers from other schools, he could attract more money from wealthy programs than the Gophers can pony up. ESPN.com’s Max Olson reported back in August that based on a survey of agents and college football general managers the going rate for quarterbacks for the 2025 season was $1 million to $2 million. “The great ones,” the story said, are around $3 million.

The price probably goes up (like most everything else) in 2026 and players will see that before and when the transfer portal window opens in January.

Lindsey rates with the better freshman quarterbacks in the nation (see Tom Luginbill’s October 9 ESPN.com story) and his value is discernible even to a layman. He has completed 62.2 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,743 yards. He has 10 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He has for the most part played with poise and precision in both passing and running the team.

Drake Lindsey photo courtesy of University of Minnesota

The production and potential of the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Lindsey has drawn the praise of many observers including former Gopher record-setting quarterback Tanner Morgan. In September he told Sports Headliners that Lindsey could be a coveted NFL Draft choice, perhaps as soon as the end of next season. By then Lindsey will be draft eligible. “I am really excited about him and what he can become,” Morgan said.

Lindsey’s competitiveness, personality and character have significantly impacted the program. He is seen as a leader but also as a young player eager to learn from others. This curiosity to know more and play better is exemplified by his relationship with Max Brosmer, last year’s Gopher starter who continues to mentor the Arkansas native.

With at least two more seasons of college eligibility, make no mistake that other programs will line up to woo Lindsey if they’re encouraged. He might not be interested, though.

Unlike many college players, Lindsey doesn’t come from an impoverished family. His father is a successful real estate entrepreneur. And in the recruiting process Lindsey formed a bond with Gopher head coach P.J. Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. Those relationships are believed to remain strong.

If Lindsey was discouraged about winning games at Minnesota that might prompt a change in residence. Such a mindset is unlikely in place right now. The Gophers might finish the season with an 8-4 record and earn a quality bowl invitation. Next season a core group of outstanding players is eligible to return and with Lindsey produce an even better season. Good players think optimistically, and Lindsey’s view is likely that he can play a significant role in achieving even a stellar season.

The Gophers and other Power 4 programs pay players through revenue sharing from their athletic departments. Players are also significantly compensated through Name, Image and Likeness money they earn for activities such as social media influencing and personal appearances.

At Minnesota and other Power 4 programs around the country compensation to college football players is unknown. But sources talk as evident in the ESPN August story referenced above. And other reports include the rumored NIL money of $10 million or more to bring prize freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood to Michigan for this season and beyond.

Sports Headliners asked the University of Minnesota via the discovery process for specifics regarding revenue share money and its disbursement to players. The reply included this: “Any data we may have regarding payments to individual student-athletes is protected under MN Stat. 13.32 (private student data).”

The Gopher athletic department, per media reports, is believed to be allocating about $15 million to football players in 2025. Many Gophers also have NIL deals, too, including preseason All-American safety Koi Perich and star running back Darius Taylor. The two appear together in a local TV ad for Park Chrysler Jeep.

The way it looks for 2026, Lindsey—now a proven performer at football’s most important position—will be the highest compensated Gopher ever, perhaps earning seven figures in just revenue share money. To retain him, a total package (including NIL money) of $1.2 to $1.5 million could be necessary, with rival programs willing and able to do more.

That guesstimate is made mostly, but not entirely, on the figures in the August ESPN story: “College football 2025: How much does each position cost?” https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46050629/college-football-2025-position-cost-transfers

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Undrafted Brosmer Wins Confidence of Coach, Teammates

Posted on November 3, 2025November 3, 2025 by David Shama

Max Brosmer, the former Golden Gopher who made the Vikings final roster as an undrafted free agent, is now the No. 2 quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy who has a brief pro history already of injuries.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said this afternoon that veteran QB John Wolford is on the practice squad for now, leaving Brosmer as the game day potential replacement for McCarthy who missed all of last season with a knee injury and was out for five games this year with a high ankle sprain.

Brosmer, 24, is two years older than McCarthy who the Vikings made the No. 10 selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Brosmer has six years of college football experience, five with FCS New Hampshire and one at Minnesota. McCarthy is not only younger but played only three years of college football at Michigan, including two as the starter.

O’Connell said his two young quarterbacks have become close, but he also welcomes the present of Wolford who the Vikings signed last week. At 30 years old and having played for multiple NFL teams, Wolford brings experience to the quarterback room even though he last played in a regular season game in December of 2022.

McCarthy has now played in three regular season games including yesterday’s impressive performance in the 27-24 win over the Lions in Detroit. He ran for one touchdown and threw two touchdown passes.

Brosmer has played briefly in two regular-season games, attempting eight passes, completing five and throwing for 42 yards. He played in all three preseason games and completed 35 of 58 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns.

Although the NFL trade deadline is tomorrow, O’Connell didn’t make it sound like the Vikings are anxious to change their quarterback roster. He has expressed confidence in all three of his guys.

O’Connell added that Brosmer has “been able to grow throughout the season” and that the Georgia native prepares as if he is one snap away from going into the game. Having gone through training camp and multiple weeks of the regular season, Brosmer has won the trust of his teammates, O’Connell said.

“…I think the confidence level (of teammates) would be really high in Max (if he had to replace McCarthy),” the coach said. “I know my confidence level would be very, very high in Max knowing he’s a young player, knowing it would be his first opportunity (to get in a game early). …I would have a lot of confidence in Max and certainly I know Max feels the same way.”

Worth Noting

O’Connell is upbeat about the recovery of Aaron Jones who injured the AC joint in his shoulder yesterday against the Lions. The coach said he will have an update on his starting running back later in the week.

O’Connell offered positive reports on players who have had injuries but came out okay after the game yesterday including McCarthy, Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill and Andrew Van Ginkel. He added that as of today Theo Jackson will be in concussion protocol.

Three Vikings who didn’t play in Detroit because of injuries are C.J. Ham, Josh Oliver and Ryan Kelly. Their returns to game action are unknown as they work through rehab.

Radio game day voices of the Vikings, Paul Allen, Pete Bercich and Ben Leber, share their insights about the team with Capital Club attendees on November 11 at the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan. More information about the breakfast gathering and club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

The new Musco lighting system at Target Center is believed to cost lower seven figures and is paid for by the Timberwolves. The city owned facility now has lighting similar to other NBA venues, spotlighting the action on the court in theater-style.

Anthony Edwards, who suffered a right hamstring strain in a game Oct. 26, is cleared for contact basketball activities, the Wolves announced today. His game availability remains out while he continues to progress with his rehab program.

Josh Minott and Luka Garza, now with the Celtics after playing the three previous seasons for the Wolves, are averaging career high numbers in minutes played per game. Minott’s is at 21.8 minutes and averaging a career best 8.3 points. Garza is at 14.3 minutes and is near a career high in points per game, 6.2 compared to 6.5 in 2022-2023 with the Wolves.

Former Gopher men’s basketball player Parker Fox has been hired by the Big Ten Network to provide color commentary on telecasts.

The hiring of Derek Shelton as the new Twins manager was ripped by a knowledgeable source who reached out to Sports Headliners. He described it as a typical blunder by the Pohlads, a safe, cheap and sad hire.

Talk among a couple of knowledgeable Twins sources is that baseball and business operations boss Derek Falvey didn’t want to fire Rocco Baldelli after the season but was told to by ownership. Falvey hired Baldelli in October of 2018 and the two were believed to have a solid relationship.

Rawlings and Minor League baseball announced Gold Glove winners yesterday including High-A Cedar Rapids second baseman Kyle DeBarge who is the No. 11 prospect in the Twins farm system. The 22-year-old former 2024 draft pick had just six errors in 279 chances last season.

Ty France, who started the season with the Twins before being traded to the Blue Jays, won the American League Gold Glove Award for his fielding at first base. He was +10 Outs Above Average in 2025.

The 6-3 Gopher football team has lost all three of its road games, with remaining away games at Oregon and Northwestern. The Gophers, on a six-game home winning streak, have one remaining game in Minneapolis, the season finale against Wisconsin. Minnesota was 4-2 in away games last year including the bowl win in Charlotte.

The Golden Gopher 2027 lineup of Big Ten home games is a marketing dream for selling tickets at Huntington Bank Stadium. Minnesota has five league games (happens every other year) with a glitzy lineup of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Washington and Wisconsin.

With last Saturday’s 45-0 win over Marist, St. Thomas head football coach Glenn Caruso and associate head coach Wallie Kuchinski coached their 200^th game with the Tommies. Their all-time record is 163-37 at St. Thomas.

The Minnesota Football Coaches Association has a membership drive to exceed 1,200 members. The organization is a pillar for the success of high school football in the state with its awards, events, scholarships and other activities to promote the game. https://www.mshsca.org/joinnow

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Harbaugh or KOC? Who Would Have Been Better for Vikings?

Posted on October 21, 2025October 21, 2025 by David Shama

When the 3-3 Vikings play the 4-3 Chargers in Los Angeles on Thursday night Minnesota will compete against a legend who might have been their head coach. Jim Harbaugh, now in his second season leading the Chargers, will face the Vikings for the first time in his return to the NFL after nine seasons at the University of Michigan.

It was February of 2022 when Vikings ownership and new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were seriously considering Harbaugh for the head coach opening after firing Mike Zimmer. In Harbaugh’s first tenure as an NFL head coach, he led the 49ers for four seasons and took his teams to three NFC Championship games. In San Francisco he had an overall record of 49-22-1 and was 5-3 in the postseason including a 2013 Super Bowl loss to his brother John Harbaugh of the Ravens.

Not only did Harbaugh have a flashy resume, but it was clear going into an early February interview in Minnesota that he had a serious interest in the Vikings job. He reportedly told recruits and people back at Michigan that a change for him could be coming.

Harbaugh’s relationship with Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel may have been less than ideal. Back in 2021 Manual had cut Harbaugh’s $8 million salary in half after some struggles including Michigan’s disappointing 2-4 record in COVID year 2020.

Sources reported Harbaugh was confident about getting the Vikings job. Not only did he have the impressive resume, but he had worked with Adofo-Mensah with the 49ers. And at age 58 Harbaugh was still young enough to guide the Vikings for a decade or more. For whatever reason that may never be known unless the Wilf family writes a tell-all-book, an offer to coach the Vikings reportedly was never made.

Harbaugh can be an aggressive personality, a stern leader, with a no surrender approach. Maybe the Vikings interviewers found Harbaugh’s demeanor too crusty and unpredictable for their liking. After all, they had just fired Zim who was known for his fiery and old-school temperament.

A former front office executive with NFL teams was asked via text if he had insights about what fell apart. “I don’t know specifics of negotiations with Harbaugh but perhaps they preferred (the) younger (Kevin) O’Connell coming from (the) popular (Mike) Shanahan/(Sean) McVay coaching tree. I think Jim Harbaugh is a great coach. …I’d rather have O’Connell at this stage of their respective careers.”

Now 61, Harbaugh has won everywhere he has been starting with the collegiate San Diego Toreros and going on from there to Stanford. The Cardinal was 1-11 before Harbaugh arrived. In his fourth and final season Stanford finished 12-1 including an Orange Bowl win.

After things didn’t materialize with the Vikings, Harbaugh went back to Michigan for two more seasons including his 15-0 team that won the 2023 national championship after advancing through the College Football Playoffs.

In 2024, his first season with Chargers, there was more Harbaugh magic. He took a team that was 5-12 the previous season and went 11-6 including a spot in the playoffs.

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

O’Connell’s pleasant demeanor could get him a job as a friendly neighbor on a TV sitcom. He’s also a terrific quarterback developer, offensive schemer and play caller who is admired by his players for the culture he has created in three-plus seasons with the Vikings.

In his fourth season O’Connell has the highest winning percentage among all head coaches in franchise history, including playoff games. His 37-22 overall record and .627 percentage tops Bud Grant’s overall win percentage (.607) from 1967-83 and 1985. He became the fastest Vikings head coach to record 35 wins, achieving that in the opening game of the season against the Bears.

Despite all the success in four seasons, including twice winning 13 regular-season games or more, the 40-year-old O’Connell has yet to deliver a playoff win. He is 0-2 after the 2022 and 2024 regular seasons. The Vikings are his first head coaching job at any level.

So, who would the Vikings have been better off hitching their coaching future to back in the winter of 2022? If you’re talking about a five-to-eight-year horizon, the logic dictates Harbaugh. He has a vast edge over O’Connell in experience and success. Part of that experience includes judging personnel and evaluating it. You can be assured that while Harbaugh would have had the title of coach with the Vikings, his voice and authority regarding personnel, including drafting, would have been loud and authoritative enough to cut through a heavy San Francisco fog.

Fleck’s Tenure, Culture & Thoughts for Iowa Week

With the recent dismissal of James Franklin at Penn State, the Gophers’ P.J. Fleck, at age 44, is now the second longest tenured head football coach at his Big Ten school. Franklin was in his 12th season; Fleck is in his ninth while Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz is in his 27th.

The Gophers, 5-2, and Iowa, also 5-2, play in Iowa City Saturday before a national TV audience on CBS. The Hawkeyes have been one of the most successful programs in the Big Ten under Ferentz. His way of doing things has not only produced nationally ranked teams and Big Ten titles, but he is the all-time winningest coach in conference history with 209 victories.

When Fleck took the Minnesota job in 2017, he spent the early years talking a lot about culture and was an admirer of Ferentz’s long tenure at Iowa and the benefits of stability to a program. Fleck was asked yesterday about the payoff from cultural sustainability.

When expectations and familiarity are in place it helps significantly to deal with challenges, he said. If coaches and players have been together for a period of time, the coach said, you know how they’re going to respond. “…Cultures are all about connecting people,” he explained. “That’s how I define culture.”

Fleck said dating back to his first season of 2017 he’s had the same defense. The offense, although adjusted over time, is similar, too. “We know what works here, what type of person works here. If (on the other hand) all those roles are constantly changing then you kind of have a hodge podge and it’s really hard to connect all those people (to have success, face adversity and try to get through it).”

Part of that cultural sustainability, too, is athletic director Mark Coyle who was hired in 2016. He hired Fleck. “I have a boss who allows me to be me,” said Fleck who wants his players to be themselves—authentic and accountable.

“We all have to answer to the culture, including me,” said Fleck. “I am no bigger than the culture I create.”

Systems may change and people, too, but not the culture that makes up a formula “where everybody knows what to expect.”

The culture has been successful for Fleck who is the fifth longest tenured coach in Gopher football history. He is fifth in overall wins with a 104 and his seven victories over top 25 nationally ranked teams is a career school coaching record. His 63-41 record and winning percentage of .605 is third best at Minnesota among coaches with at least 45 games.

Iowa is more than a touchdown favorite to win Saturday against a Gophers team that played its best game of the season last Friday night in dominating then No. 25 ranked Nebraska. The Gophers won that game 24-6 but lost to so-so California and 42-3 against No. 1 ranked Ohio State.

The Hawkeyes have a three-point loss to a solid Iowa State team and a five-point loss to No. 2 ranked Indiana. They also have the advantage of playing at home on Saturday in front of perhaps the Big Ten’s most rabid fan base.

Fleck has long regarded Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium as the “hardest” place in the conference to play. The Gophers will do everything possible in practice this week to replicate the chaotic environment they will face Saturday afternoon. That includes music, crowd noise and even derogatory comments like the Kinnick faithful may utter.

“…Football is a game of emotion, and we want our players to play with incredible emotion,” Fleck said. “We just never want you to cross the line to emotional (letting outside things dictate behavior). …”

Fleck is 1-7 against Iowa, with the only win coming two years ago in Kinnick Stadium. A controversial but correct fair catch ruling that went against Iowa helped Minnesota escape with a 12-10 victory. Incensed fans threw objects on the field in the tradition of Hawkeyes patrons dating back to at least the 1930s when whiskey bottles were a favored projectile.

A wit might say that’s cultural sustainability, too.

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